In January we celebrate Norton, Missouri’s state grape. Norton is a full-bodied, dry red wine which has captured the hearts of many wine enthusiasts. This unparalleled product of pride stands out because of its unique flavors, quality and the passion that goes into making Norton wines.

Norton is a native American grape that was discovered in 1835 near Richmond, Virginia. This grape was also widely grown in Arkansas but given the name Cynthiana. Researchers confirmed the two grapes are genetically identical. However, winemakers continue to use both names interchangeably.

In the vineyard, Norton is known for being hardy and disease resistant. Clusters are small to medium sized, with blue and black berries. It is the most popular grape grown throughout the state, accounting for 17.7 percent of vineyard acres. Wineries across the state enjoy growing Norton because it withstands Missouri’s climate and weather challenges and is suited by the range of soils found in the Show Me State.

Missouri’s Governor honors a Norton every year, which is selected during the Missouri wine competition. All Norton entries are tasted side-by-side to distinguish the honor of Best Norton and name of C.V. Riley award winner. The award is presented in the namesake of Charles Valentine Riley, Missouri’s first entomologist. He was appointed in 1868 and was named the “father of biological control” after contributing to the solution that saved the French wine industry from the phylloxera epidemic. He supplied thousands of root stock that helped rebuild and strengthen the vineyards in France.

The C.V. Riley Award is presented every year with pride, just as those winemakers who grow and cultivate it, turn it passionately into the high-quality Norton wines produced throughout the state. This year, Stone Hill Winery took home the C.V. Riley Award for their 2019 Norton. No doubt, it was a competitive lineup this year, as it is every year.

Norton is perfect for pairing, as its flavor profile is so unique. Notes range from fruit forward to spicy and oaky. It pairs well with smoked meats such as beef, venison and lamb. Dark chocolate pairings bring forward the fruit flavor, as well as spiced cake and berries. Bold spices and cheeses allow Norton to shine in a class all its own.

Cheers to our state grape, Norton! New Year celebrations continue beyond sparkling wines in January. Grab a Norton and share with us how you enjoy this unparalleled product of pride. Tag us on social @missouriwine and #mowine.

Sure, you can sip the sip, but can you talk the talk when it comes to Missouri Wines? Since your glass didn’t come with a glossary, here are some terms to help you learn your way around the tasting room.

Acidity: (n.) The tart or sharp flavors naturally found in wine, which balances the sweet or bitter components.

Aging: (v.) Holding wine in barrels, tubs or bottles under certain conditions after fermentation to develop complex flavors.

Alcohol by volume (ABV): (n.) The amount of alcohol in a wine after fermentation. Noted on the bottle as a percent.

Blend: (n.) A wine created by mixing varietals to create interesting flavors.

Body: (n.) The “weight” of wine on your palate or the perceived thickness of a sip when you drink it. It’s affected by the wine’s alcohol content, sugar levels and dissolved solids. To better understand the difference in body, think about different types of milk and how they feel in your mouth, from skim milk to whole milk.

Brix (°Bx): (n.) The measurement for sugar levels in wine grapes; helps winemakers determine the amount of alcohol wine will have after fermentation.

Decant: (v.) The act of exposing wine to oxygen before drinking it.

Dry: (adj.) A wine that is not sweet.

Fermentation: (n.) The process during which yeast converts natural sugars into alcohol.

Finish: (n.) The lingering impressions, tastes and flavors that remain or evolve after you swallow a sip of wine; aftertaste.

Fortified: (v.) Wines that have additional alcohol added after fermentation.

Mouthfeel: (n.) The physical sensation you feel when the wine is in your mouth, some examples include smooth or velvety.

Nose: (n.) The aromas or smell of a wine, which influence its flavor. In mature or complex wines, it may be referred to as the “bouquet.”

Red wine: (n.) A wine produced from dark-colored grapes. These wines can range in color from purple to deep red.

Residual Sugar: (n.) The natural sugars in wine left over from the grape following fermentation, often abbreviated as RS.

Rosé: (n.) A wine made from red grapes but only fermented with the grape skins for a limited time, which results in its signature pink color. Sometimes called a “blush.”

Sparkling wine: (n.) Wine bottled with enough carbon dioxide to make the drink bubbly or fizzy.

Sweet: (adj.) Wines with residual sugars that make them sweet to taste.

Tannins: (n.) Natural, bitter compounds found in wine, tea and cacao. They can have a drying sensation on the palate. Wines high in tannins are described as “tannic.” Generally, red wines are more tannic than white wines.

Terroir: (n.) The French term for “earth;” used to describe the natural environment where wine grapes were grown, including the soil, the land and the climate. It affects the taste of the wine.

Varietal: (n.) A specific type of grape. Wines made from a specific varietal often share tasting notes common with that type of grape. An example of a Missouri varietal is Norton.

Vintage: (n.) The year the wine grapes were harvested. It’s printed on the bottle.

White Wine: (n.) A pale yellow to golden-colored wine that is often fermented without the grape skins.

Never fear being lost in the complex language of wine. With these terms under your belt, you'll be well on your way to navigating the world of wine.

Missouri has been producing award-winning wines since the late 1800s. The types of American grapes grown in the state create distinct wines known for unique flavors that can be paired with almost anything. Here’s a guide to Missouri wine varietals and a few key pairing ideas:

Dry Spectrum

Chambourcin sham-bor-san

• medium-bodied, dry red
• Pair with: pork loin, burgers, short ribs, red sauce, mushrooms, applesauce, strawberries, figs, brie, camembert, walnuts, cobbler and chocolate cake

Chardonel shar-doe-nel

• full-bodied dry white
• Pair with: creamy white cheeses, grilled chicken and fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta & cream sauce, vanilla cake, banana bread and apple dishes

Norton/Cynthiana nore-tuhn /sin-thee-ana

• full-bodied dry red
• Pair with: bold cheeses, smoked lamb, beef and venison, blackened fish, berries, hazelnuts, dark chocolate and spice cake

Seyval Blanc say-vahl-blahnc

• medium-bodied dry to semi-dry white
• Pair with: grilled chicken and fish, green vegetables, sushi, white cheeses, pasta & cream sauce, lemon cake & melon

Sweet Spectrum

Catawba ca-taw-ba

• light-bodied, pink and rose
• Pair with: spicy cheeses, pork chops, cold cut sandwiches, charcuterie boards and light desserts

Concord con-kord

• medium-bodied, sweet red
• Pair with: bold cheeses, barbecued beef, pork chops, orange chicken, candied nuts, and grape pie

Vidal Blanc vee-dahl-blahnc

• dry to semi-dry & sweet dessert-style white
• Pair with: grilled chicken and seafood, broccoli & asparagus, sushi, soup, Mozzarella, pasta & cream sauce, citrus, pine nuts & melon

Vignoles veen-yole

• medium-bodied, dry to sweet & dessert white
• Pair with: spicy cheeses, spiced curry, Asian or Mexican dishes, buffalo wings, spicy grilled peppers and barbecue, berries and tropical fruits, cheesecake, and Crème Brûlée

Use these great pairing ideas when dining at home, entertaining guests or even during dinner for your date night out. Although these are great ideas, they aren’t exhaustive. There is a Missouri wine for every pairing. Share your pairing ideas with us on social media by tagging #mowine and @missouriwine.

Who says Sangria can only be enjoyed with warm weather outside? This sparkling winter Sangria is worth celebrating with.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

What you’ll need

¾c apple juice

¼c white rum

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 apple cubed or sliced

1 firm pear sliced thinly

¾c fresh cranberries

2 cinnamon sticks

1c club soda

1 bottle sparkling wine (Stone Hill Blanc de Blancs)

Instructions

1.Mix apple juice and rum in medium bowl. Whisk in sugar and cinnamon until sugar dissolves and cinnamon is evenly distributed.

2.In a large pitcher, add apple, pear slices, cranberries and cinnamon sticks.

3.Pour in apple juice and rum mixture and stir gently.

4.Add club soda and sparkling wine. Stir gently.

5.Chill and stir before serving.

6.Enjoy!

Try this winter Sangria with your friends and family. Share it with us by tagging @missouriwine or using the hashtag #mowine.

Wine etiquette is re-emerging for holiday festivities and New Year gatherings after dormancy during the pandemic. Although wine is still often enjoyed at home, knowing how to implement best wine practices in public is important during both business and personal enjoyment. Here’s a few essential wine tips to sharpen your etiquette:

Glasses

• Utilize the 5 S’s of wine (see, swirl, smell, sip, savor) & think about each wine

These essential reminders allow you to thoroughly enjoy the event’s offerings and have discussion points, as well as pairing notes

• Know how to hold your glass – by the stem or by the base

Refrain altering the ideal temperature of wine by holding glass appropriately

• Manage mouth marks on glasses (especially with holiday lipstick)

Where you choose to take your first sip, use the same place while enjoying

• Table placement matters

Your wine glass will go to the right of your water glass once seated

• Pick the perfect pour

More room allows glass to be swirled, wine to open and exhibit flavors. Host should pour glasses one-third full for reds, one-half full for whites and three-fourths full for sparkling wines

Socially

• Pour intently, holding bottle near the base – offer to guests first, pour with label facing outward

Using the base provides more stability as well as less room for bottle slips and spillage. Twist while ending your pour to reduce unexpected drips

• Similar to table manners, enjoy portions at speeds similar to those around you

Make sure all have had a chance to try the available wine offerings

• Cheers! Clink glasses at the bowl to reduce breakage, noise disruptions and germs

This time-aged tradition is paired best with well wishes and good eye contact

• The host is responsible for filling glasses

Unless it is a unique situation, the host and hostesses should notice when a drink can use a fill

If you are the host…

Make wines approachable! Answer questions, go with the flow and try to stock your stash with wines your guests might enjoy

If you are the guest…

Enjoy what you like. Try new wines. Don’t partake if you do not enjoy. Best way to know is to experience and ask questions

Cheers from Missouri Wines this holiday season! Try gifting your host a Missouri wine at a dinner gathering, purchasing one for an easy, thoughtful gift or even opening a Missouri sparkling in celebration of the New Year. Share your celebrations with us on social by tagging @missouriwine or #mowine.